94 Legacy turbo wagon coil arching

[borderboy]

I have a 94 legacy turbo wagon 2.2 with random arching at front left of coil pack,not at wire.Happens when engine is cold,but goes away once at running temp.Also what I think is terrible milage even when car is running well.16 gal tank/130-150 miles.Not sure I can trust gas gauge or odometer?

[wtdash]

Hi,
Make sure your Grounds are all good and that the coil is bolted down - check the wiring.

The gas gauge is a common issue where it'll read low...usually once past 1/2 tank left. Why can't you trust the odometer? Do you have smart phone or GPS to compare? If not, use the mile markers on the highway.

[borderboy]

Thanks wtdash,will check to see if coil is bolted tight and grounds,I'm thinking moisture may be a factor.Was really foggy and damp from melting snow this morning when arching occured. I have only owned this car for 4 months and new to Subarus and boxer engines,but love this car.Prior owner didn't take the greatest care of it.I guess they didn't appreciate its abilities.I will buy another Subaru when It comes to it

[vrg3]

I think you just need to replace the coil pack. The only way I can see it arcing that way is if there's a crack in it. It doesn't ground through its body.

[borderboy]

O.k.,will check/test the coil.Although the last couple days it has been firing just fine.Thanks vrg3

[dafrompa]

make sure your filler tube hasn't rusted thru that might be the reason for your bad gas milage

[vrg3]

Sometimes if the crack is small they only arc if it's wet outside. It sounds like the crack in yours is small because it closes up when the engine warms up.

The bad coil could also be contributing to your poor mileage.